Karnataka: Elderly Couple In Belagavi Die by Suicide After Falling Victim To 'Digital Arrest' Scam

An elderly couple from Beedi village in Khanapur, located in the Belagavi district, tragically died by suicide on Thursday, March 28, after falling victim to a cyber scam in which fraudsters placed them under a so-called "digital arrest".

The couple reportedly lost ₹50 lakh to the scam.

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According to police reports, the deceased have been identified as Dorgjeron, also known as Diago Santan Nazareth (82), and his wife Flaviana (79).

Bheemashankar Guled, Superintendent of Police at Nandagad Police Station, stated, "₹50 lakh has been transferred to different accounts from deceased accounts. We are yet to investigate this."

The "digital arrest scam" is a form of cyber fraud wherein criminals falsely accuse individuals of being involved in illegal online activity. Victims are led to believe they are facing legal action or arrest, and scammers then extort money under the guise of resolving the matter.

Revealing further details of the incident, Guled said, "Diago has injuries on his neck with a sickle and he was lying in a pool of blood. His wife was lying lifeless, and she might have consumed sedatives. The couple didn't have children."

A suicide note was recovered at the scene, in which the couple mentioned an individual named Sumit Birra who had called from Delhi, claiming to be a telecom official.

The caller allegedly informed Dorgjeron that his mobile number was being used for illegal advertising, and threatened serious consequences unless money was transferred.

The note read, "We are ending our lives as we don't want to live at the mercy of someone."